]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/exercising-go/feed/0Boost Visibility — Promote Before the Showhttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/boost-visibility-promote-show/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/boost-visibility-promote-show/#respondTue, 17 Feb 2015 13:30:02 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5918Two tips to promote your company’s visibility and the number of visitors that you are able to attract to your booth. Read more…

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/boost-visibility-promote-show/feed/0Not the Boss? Be a Leader!http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/not-the-boss-be-a-leader/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/not-the-boss-be-a-leader/#respondTue, 10 Feb 2015 20:08:09 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5914Have you found yourself taking on a leadership role even though the organizational chart keeps you in the same spot. How can you become a leader even if you’re not the boss? Read more…

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/not-the-boss-be-a-leader/feed/0Get to know MC2 speakers at EXHIBITORLIVE in Las Vegashttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/get-know-mc2-speakers-exhibitorlive-las-vegas/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/get-know-mc2-speakers-exhibitorlive-las-vegas/#respondMon, 09 Feb 2015 14:07:35 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5933With EXHIBITORLIVE just around the corner, what better way to get a head start on what to expect than by meeting the speakers who are part of this year’s line-up. This year the following speakers from MC2 will be teaching classes at the conference: Janet Good, Account Executive. Her sessions: Collaborate. Create. Succeed. Maximize Results […]

]]>With EXHIBITORLIVE just around the corner, what better way to get a head start on what to expect than by meeting the speakers who are part of this year’s line-up. This year the following speakers from MC2 will be teaching classes at the conference:

Janet Good, Account Executive.

Her sessions: Collaborate. Create. Succeed. Maximize Results Through the Power of Design and The Best Thing is Being There – Site Inspection Workshop

Philip Lauzon, Creative Director.

His session with Janet:Collaborate. Create. Succeed. Maximize Results Through the Power of Design

Alan Cordial, Sr. Vice President Account Development.

His session:RFP: The Naked Truth

Ken Dec, Senior Vice President, Client Services.

His session:Experiential Storytelling: Where Customer-Centric Content is King

Brian Baker, Design Director.

His session:Graphics Boot Camp: The Basics Every Event Manager Should Know

By way of introduction, we’ve asked them to describe some memorable career experiences and discuss some of the important trends in the industry. We even asked them about their craziest experience in Las Vegas, but you’ll have to read those for yourself. Enjoy this primer, and we hope to see you there!

eConnections: What do you hope attendees take away from your session?

Janet Good: For the Site Inspection session: to feel in control, confident & comfortable of a process to properly evaluate a potential property they are reviewing for an important upcoming event.

Philip Lauzon: I hope they have a great time! I want them to know how important they are to the creative process and how fun being a part of the final design solution can be.

Alan Cordial: The knowledge that their best opportunity for real educational growth will be found in new session models like this session’s unique peer/peer facilitated engagement.

Ken Dec: The importance of content over carpentry, story over structure. Exhibit is a word that should be stricken from their lexicon. It implies one way communication from brand to attendee. What you should be building are branded experiences’ with which you engage attendees in real dialogue.

Brian Baker: The most important thing is to understand what they should try to do with their event graphics and what they SHOULDN’T. Don’t try to say too much. The entire purpose of graphics is to facilitate face-to-face interactions, NOT to replace them.

eC: You’ve been in the industry for many years. What is you love most about your career?

Janet: Seeing the environment, that started on paper, become 3D and LIVE so people can meet, interact and do business. Always sad during the strike.

Philip: I am lucky to have been exposed to so many different industries, people and cultures. I’ve designed for cyber security geniuses, aviation pioneers, next generation electronics manufacturers, giant earth moving machines, medical researcher teams and home builders. I’ve also worked on several installations for major entertainment venues. I get to travel constantly and I thrive on every challenge to create an experience people remember.

Alan: I’ve been in the industry a tad longer than 35 years, but who really counts after 25. What I love most is the act of constantly going from a blank sheet of paper to a physical product standing somewhere in the world.

Ken: I’ve been an agency-side marketer for more than 30 years, actually. What I love most is working with creative storytellers who know how to deliver inspiring messages in unexpected ways that emotionally connect with audiences.

Brian: Two things. I love learning about our customers’ challenges and their brands, making them my own and investing MY passion into them. Secondly, I love that I’ve been doing this for so long, and I still feel like I’ve just scratched the surface. I can learn so much more.

eC: As far as your career goes, what’s the one bit of advice you’ve gotten that’s stuck with you the most to this day?

Janet: The devil is in the details and the show always goes on ready or not!

Philip: I can narrow my answer to three: Always look at the world with a child’s eyes and curiosity. Never settle and do things the way they have always been done before. Learn from every positive or negative result.

Alan: Communicate to the client with open visibility and transparency. You win more than you lose and you retain those you win.

Ken: Comfort is the first step toward career and personal stagnation. If you ever get comfortable you’ll stop innovating, creating, pushing and striving. Don’t ever get comfortable.

Brian: To never lose my child-like enthusiasm.

eC: The industry continues to shift every year. Are there any particular trends you’re particularly interested in watching over the next few years?

Janet: How marketers and their agencies like us continue to make branded booth environments experiential so there is a real payoff for the ‘face-to-face’ viability of trade shows and events over other marketing channels. This can be through a number of vehicles—new presentation technologies, like digital gesture recognition or virtual reality, to good old fashioned on-brand giveaways!

Philip: Personally, that’s what I love about it! Every project has a prototype quality because every client and every show is unique. I’m interested in the trend toward authenticity and live interaction. It is not enough to just hang big media screens and hope the audience will stay to watch. We need to give them something to do, build a story they remember and share. Brands that showcase their customers are on the forefront of this trend. My favorite thing at CES this year was not a technology or display, it was the section of the Intel exhibit that had makers and inventors on the floor with amazing future concept projects they created with Intel hardware.

Alan: The turnover cycle of experienced buyers’ has accelerated. As reflected in the economy at large, people just don’t stay in the same job or even with the same company as long these days. This increase in turnover has greatly impacted the effort required on the supplier side to help bring new players up to speed with industry practices. Syphoning time away from actual project execution.

Ken: The shift from structure to story appears to finally be taking hold. The leaders in experience marketing start from story out, from digital experience out. Structures should be ‘experience containers’ in support of the story being told.

Brian: It’s always interesting to watch emerging technologies and strategies as they mature. I am most interested in the convergence of multiple venues, tools, and technologies being integrated into truly holistic and targeted audience experiences.

eC: And finally – since we’ll be in Sin City – what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen in Las Vegas?

Janet: A room service cart being cleared of dishes in the hotel hallway so that a person could be put on it and rolled to their room. I think I helped with the clearing and rolling…

Philip: One more memorable than crazy night comes to mind. My wife and I stepped out on the hotel balcony at sunset and saw a wedding setting up across the way on the rooftop patio. A second reception kicked off below us on the pool deck and we were hooked. Dinner turned into room service, as we experienced live Las Vegas theater more fun than any reality show. We made up character names and backstories for the guests, played music trivia with the rival DJs and celebrated with them all privately from our patio sky box. Sometime near last call, bridesmaids and groomsmen in full formal attire decided to take a swim. The curtain closed on our big night in Vegas with a family joke that always brings us back to that night: “I bet Men’s Warehouse is gonna be &#%!@?!!”

Alan: Gone back over 150 times in my career.

Ken: I’ll never tell.

Brian: OMG … no comment. (!)

Meet the team

Janet Good, Account Executive and CTSM Graduate
Account Executive of MC2 for 20 years, Janet equally enjoys all aspects of the face to face marketing process: design, construction, project management, culminating in the delivery of integrated brand marketing strategies, working with client and internal teams to “make it all happen.” She is a graduate of Drexel University where she earned B.S. degrees in Business Marketing and Commerce and Engineering. Prior to joining the trade show arena, Janet immersed herself in the advertising, publishing, and point-of-purchase display industries. Janet is a Bronze Level CTSM graduate.

Philip Lauzon, Creative Director
A 16 year veteran of exhibit, event, environmental and strategic design. As owner and Principal Designer of SpatialArt Studios, Inc. he concentrated his efforts in the Event and Exhibit industries. Among other accomplishments during this time, Philip took First Place in the 2008 ExpoDeck Design to Win competition for the Event Design Summit. Now, as Creative Director for MC2 Southwest, he continues to lead a team of designers in effectively communicating our client’s brands.

Alan Cordial, Sr. Vice President Account Development
With 35 years of experience, Alan is a frequent speaker and contributor to exhibit and event industry publications. As an AE, managed an annual client event portfolio in excess of $17 million. He has served on the board of Directors for both EDPA and TSEA and remains active as a member of the EDPA Foundation. He co-founded calan communications, whose industry software is run by several of the industry’s most prominent exhibit suppliers.

Brian Baker, Design Director
Brian has been designing environments since 1995. Brian studied design at the world–renowned Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan and received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. Over the last several years, Brian has designed exhibits and environments for many high-profile clients including Coca-Cola, Intel, Best Buy, The Home Depot, FedEx, Anheuser Busch, Nokia, Philips, Michelin, Volvo, The Weather Channel, State Farm, and The Atlanta Braves.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/get-know-mc2-speakers-exhibitorlive-las-vegas/feed/0Your answers to “Can office romances work?”http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/answers-can-office-romances-work/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/answers-can-office-romances-work/#respondMon, 09 Feb 2015 14:01:33 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5979I’ve started dating a nice guy from another department in my company. We think we should keep it a secret because we don’t want anyone to think our relationship is affecting our jobs. I’ve asked everyone I know outside of work what they think and have gotten every answer under the sun. Does anyone know […]

]]>I’ve started dating a nice guy from another department in my company. We think we should keep it a secret because we don’t want anyone to think our relationship is affecting our jobs. I’ve asked everyone I know outside of work what they think and have gotten every answer under the sun. Does anyone know of this happening in their company?

— Janine, Exhibits Manager

We got nearly every answer under the sun for this question. It’s funny how eager our readership became when the topic turned to romance in the workplace. It seems we’ve all thought about it at one time or another. Take a look below to discover what everyone had to say. Do you have advice of your own? Leave it in the comments section below!

No, absolutely no. The statistical chances that this office lover will be your one true soul mate are slim. Since the chances are greater that you will end the relationship sooner than later, it would be best not to put yourself in what you know will be the ultimate uncomfortable situation. Furthermore, relationships where the two are around each other constantly do not work. People need their space and need to be able to have a different life at work. Otherwise, your lover could be creeping on you any time of the day and you can’t truly be yourself.

Now, if you all work in totally separate departments and never see each other daily, I’d say that has a somewhat better chance. — Anna W., Project Manager

Is it happening in every office in America? Most definitely. Is it something you should be worried about. Absolutely not. First, take an honest look at what your relationship is to one another, as well as any potential conflicts of interest professionally. If it is something you see as a viable relationship, then feel no shame in making sure your HR department knows while letting a few close friends know up front. Just like the advice any top-notch PR firm would give you, being out in front of your own information is necessary, and ultimately dilutes any office gossip passing around the watercooler. I hope very much that this is a fairy tale in the making, and that the two of you continue to pursue your relationship with confidence. — Bobby B., Entrepreneur

Of course! It stands to reason that romances can start at the office – there’s already a lot of common interests and shared time. But it’s a bad idea to start a relationship by sneaking around. (After all, we’re grownups.) If everything works out between you two, then at best you’ve lied to your friends, coworkers and bosses – and at worst you’ve broken company trust and damaged your career. Meanwhile if your relationship craters, it’ll be nearly impossible to keep it from affecting your work. (After all, we’re only human.) If you want to date a coworker, do it on the up-and-up and be willing to accept the risks. — Valerie H., Exhibit Manager

My dad used to tell me you never want to “dip your pen in the company ink.” As someone who works in a culture where office relationships blossom in a blink of an eye, I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand, this going very well and going VERY bad. Ultimately, you need to weigh the pros and cons of your decision to continue your relationship with your co-worker. I.e. Are your emotional feelings overriding your rational decision making? Just because love is blind, doesn’t mean it should cause you to lose sight of your responsibilities. — Julie B., Marketing Associate

If nepotism isn’t part of an HR policy, neither of you are in a position to fire or directly influence the other’s position and you can keep it “professional” and get your jobs done well – even if the relationship doesn’t work – no need to hide it, though, no need to publicize it either. And, yes, I believe it happens everywhere. Love doesn’t care about the rules/boundaries of the office for it to happen. — Rebecca E., Human Resources

In general, I think it’s a Bad Idea Janine.

It makes sense. When people spend that much time together or in the same place, there’s that commonality and familiarity. They both understand each other’s worlds. But it is also often the subject of unwanted gossip and office drama. Personal lives and professional lives can, potentially, become confused. I know a lot of companies have policies in place to restrict interoffice dating.

Having said that, I know couples that have started dating and made it work – usually when one of the moves to a different department or company at some point when the relationship became serious. — Jason Z., Director of Exhibits & Conferences

Unless there is a written document at work stating that employees’ should not date, it is no ones business. As long as your relationship is kept professional while in the office, you should not worry about it and not care what other think. — Julia, Account Manager

First of all, there is no such thing as keeping the relationship a secret. There is body language, a quick glance that you are sure no one is aware of but is an obvious sign to everyone around you. If your company does not have a no fraternization policy? Are you both at the same level in the organization or is one of you several levels away from the other? Is there a supervisory relationship? Those circumstances can make the relationship a seem like a compromising situation. Unfortunately, any romantic relationship at work can cause issues. It can be a distraction or disruption but the most difficult issue could arise if the relationship goes sour. You may have even greater disruption or distraction so much so that it is difficult to be in the same workplace. Overall, there is a great deal to consider before entering into a relationship in the workplace. You need to weigh the risk against the perceived rewards. — Ellen L. De Rosa, Director of Human Resources, MC²

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/answers-can-office-romances-work/feed/0Constructive Criticism 101: How to Give It Without Seeming Criticalhttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/constructive-criticism-101-give-without-seeming-critical/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/constructive-criticism-101-give-without-seeming-critical/#respondMon, 09 Feb 2015 13:44:05 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5973from Recruiter It’s natural to become defensive when receiving criticism, no matter how it’s constructed. Although it’s an opportunity to learn and grow, not everyone sees it that way. Here are some ideas on minimizing the harsh reception when providing criticism. Read more…

It’s natural to become defensive when receiving criticism, no matter how it’s constructed. Although it’s an opportunity to learn and grow, not everyone sees it that way. Here are some ideas on minimizing the harsh reception when providing criticism.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/constructive-criticism-101-give-without-seeming-critical/feed/07 Better Ways to Answer ‘ What Do You Do ?’http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/7-better-ways-answer-what-do-you-do/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/7-better-ways-answer-what-do-you-do/#respondMon, 09 Feb 2015 13:40:05 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5968from The Muse So many people identify with their work so closely that’s nearly synonymous with “Who are you?” But how do you avoid pigeon-holing yourself into a corner the next time you’re asked ‘What do you do?’ Here are seven options for you. Read more…

So many people identify with their work so closely that’s nearly synonymous with “Who are you?” But how do you avoid pigeon-holing yourself into a corner the next time you’re asked ‘What do you do?’ Here are seven options for you.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/7-better-ways-answer-what-do-you-do/feed/0Why a New System Can Drive Event Growthhttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/new-system-can-drive-event-growth/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/new-system-can-drive-event-growth/#respondMon, 09 Feb 2015 13:35:34 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5963Bis Bash reviews software which uses social data to discover new people at your event and invite them to your booth.

InGo uses social data to discover new people at your event, and can then enlist attendees to invite them to your booth. This marks a revolutionary step towards identifying everyone at a show and being able to reach them beyond traditional advertising.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/new-system-can-drive-event-growth/feed/0Data — What Does Google Know That the Event Industry Doesn’t?http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/data-what-does-google-know-that-the-event-industry-doesnt/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/data-what-does-google-know-that-the-event-industry-doesnt/#respondMon, 09 Feb 2015 13:34:50 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5960from EventTechBrief There’s no shortage of data in the event industry, but there’s a very real gap in the amount accumulated and the amount acted upon. That’s one of the big challenges for the next few years. One of the early leaders in creating ideas? Google. Read more…

There’s no shortage of data in the event industry, but there’s a very real gap in the amount accumulated and the amount acted upon. That’s one of the big challenges for the next few years. One of the early leaders in creating ideas? Google.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/data-what-does-google-know-that-the-event-industry-doesnt/feed/0The Fifth Season — Karneval*http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/fifth-season-karneval/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/fifth-season-karneval/#commentsFri, 06 Feb 2015 14:25:14 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5987When it comes to festivals, Karneval, as celebrated in the German Rhineland, is about as exciting and real as it gets.

]]>When it comes to festivals, Karneval, as celebrated in the German Rhineland, is about as exciting and real as it gets. This is the time to let down your hair and indulge in excesses of all kinds before the start of Lent (this year on February 18), the six-week period of fasting and abstinence leading up to Easter (April 5).

The Carnival tradition goes back 600 years, but its roots lie in pre-Christian times in the third century BC in Mesopotamia, and the Romans’ worship of the god Saturn.

Costumes are an important part of the event, and people spend weeks preparing their often stunning outfits.

The first highlight of the week is reached on the Thursday known as Weiberfastnacht, when normal public life first comes to a halt. At precisely 11 minutes past 11, all over the Rhineland women (Weiber) storm the town halls, depose the Mayors and symbolically take over the reigns of local government. For the rest of the day, public offices and businesses are left with only male staff, their female colleagues having departed to celebrate on the streets.

By the way, on Weiberfastnacht men are seriously advised to avoid wearing expensive neckties. Women armed with scissors have no qualms about snipping off this supposed symbol of male dominance, and no amount of pleading and protesting will stop them. You will be rewarded with a kiss, but that may be little consolation for the loss of your favorite silk tie. If you want to share in the fun, wear an old necktie you are happy to be rid of. If not, stick to a sweater! Celebrations continue in bars and on the streets, and over the weekend parties continue and people flock to watch the many local processions.

The high point of Carnival is reached with the processions on Monday, known in the Rhineland as Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday. This is an unofficial public holiday in most of the region, and most businesses are closed. The kilometer-long processions featuring elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, dance groups and Carnival associations wend their way through the streets, and the people atop the floats throw candies and flowers into the waiting crowds.

Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, is the last opportunity for wild celebrations before Lent begins. The end of Carnival too has its own tradition. Throughout the festivities, you may have noticed a life-sized straw dummy watching events from a corner of the bar-room. His name is Nubbel, and his fate is a terrible one. Towards midnight on Tuesday, slow drum beats and much wailing announce his imminent end. The Nubbel is the scapegoat for all the sinful acts perpetrated during Carnival, and he must pay the price. He is carried into the street and, following a summary trial with no chance to defend himself, is solemnly set alight and goes up in flames to the cheers of the onlookers, whose sins are thus atoned.

The next day, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.

*Karneval is called the Fifth Season here in Germany because it is a very special time beyond the normal four seasons.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/fifth-season-karneval/feed/13 Ways to Master Your Meetingshttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/3-ways-to-master-your-meetings/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/3-ways-to-master-your-meetings/#respondTue, 03 Feb 2015 19:53:55 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5906Do you ever feel like you’re not getting the most out of your meetings? You could stop this by implementing just a few changes. Read more…

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/02/3-ways-to-master-your-meetings/feed/0January Feature Can Plummeting Gas Prices Affect Face-To-Face Meetings?http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/can-plummeting-gas-prices-affect-face-face-meetings/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/can-plummeting-gas-prices-affect-face-face-meetings/#respondWed, 28 Jan 2015 13:30:37 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5859For businesses that require face-to-face meetings, travel has always been a considerable expense. The rise in oil prices in previous years – and airfare along with it – sent many companies looking for more cost-effective solutions. Online conferencing technologies like GoToWebinar, Skype, WebEx or On24, while not a perfect replacement for face-to-face meetings, provided at […]

]]>For businesses that require face-to-face meetings, travel has always been a considerable expense. The rise in oil prices in previous years – and airfare along with it – sent many companies looking for more cost-effective solutions. Online conferencing technologies like GoToWebinar, Skype, WebEx or On24, while not a perfect replacement for face-to-face meetings, provided at least a partial solution. But now oil prices are dropping substantially. What does this mean for face-to-face meetings, and the online conferencing that has been filling in for it? Will plummeting oil prices result in a resurgence of in-person meetings?

Oil is Cheap Right Now

Oil prices have undergone a remarkable reduction recently, enough to have serious effects on a global level. With a price reduction of 40 percent since the high in June 2014, oil producers and associated businesses are being hit hard. However, this also has resulted in savings for any consumers or companies that pay for fuel. Overall, the loss on the side of producers and the gain on the side of consumers could result in “one of the biggest transfers of wealth in history,” according to the Washington Post. In fact, the price drop is so significant that it will cause the global economy to grow by 0.5 percent to 1 percent.

No one knows how long this price reduction will last, but the effects are already being seen at the pump. Gas prices in the United States are averaging $2.77 a gallon right now. It is estimated that the price could drop by another 10 to 20 cents per gallon in coming months. This means that the companies for which fuel is a major operating cost are benefiting considerably. Airlines are a prime example of this – just a penny saved in the price of fuel means $40 million saved for Delta Airlines alone, according to a recent interview with the chief executive of the company.

So how does this translate to savings for businesses?

Rapid Reduction in Oil Prices Does Not Result in Rapid Reduction of Airfare Costs

In January 2014, Fox News published an article on the rising costs of airfare. At this time, airfares had risen by 12 percent in just the previous five years. And this was without all the extra fees that airlines tack on. In the same article, the current cost of jet fuel was set at a little over $3 a gallon. In 2009, the cost of jet fuel had been $1.89 a gallon.

Contrast this to a recent article in the Christian Science Monitor. In the Monitor article, low oil prices are reported to have very little measurable effect on current airfares. The profit margin has risen for airlines, thanks to lower fuel costs, but this is not being reflected in current airfare costs. Nor is it expected to have that much of an effect on future airfares – with only a 5.1 percent drop in 2015 airfare costs. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) explains that the profit margins are already low for airlines. What increase they do see in profitability will probably be reinvested back into the companies.

Thanks to mergers, most airlines are enjoying good business already. Flights are full, demonstrating strong demand, so there is little incentive to drop prices. Trade groups like Airlines for America argue that airfares are actually relatively inexpensive, when compared with inflation. So, while oil prices may be dropping a great deal, the prices that airlines charge for their tickets are not reflecting this. Nor are they expected to reflect cheap oil prices in the future.

Airfare Costs, Face-to-Face Meetings and Online conferencing

How have businesses that use air travel adapted to the increased costs associated with air travel? The face-to-face meeting at the client’s office or at a trade show was the only kind of meeting there was for a very long time, so constant business travel made sense until recently. Sure, one could pick up a telephone and discuss business matters or prospect for new business, but it was a poor substitute for talking in person.

Companies wanted to get the best from their employees, and they needed that real-life feedback to effectively manage. There comes a point, however, when even the most performance-obsessed operation must consider costs.

The considerable rise in travel costs from 2008 onward led many businesses to look for meeting alternatives. This is where online conferencing came in. The technology began to become viable around that time, giving businesses an option when air travel was unaffordable.

However, technologies like Skype, etc. were quickly discovered to be no replacement for in-person interaction. They were better than a phone call, but they were not better than an in-person meeting. Many companies have elected to use both as their budgets allow – online conferencing to save money and time, face-to-face for matters of true importance.

Where do Face-to-Face Meetings Stand With Falling Fuel Prices?

It should first be made clear: Falling fuel prices are not resulting in considerably lower airfares, at least thus far. This means that, at least as far as business travel by air is concerned, businesses are not likely to see much cost savings. Judging from current evidence, the in-person meeting is not going to become more appealing on a cost basis, as airfares remain high.

However, this does not mean that the face-to-face meeting is going to become a thing of the past – even with the best online conferencing technologies out there. An Oxford Economics study demonstrated that every dollar spent on business travel resulted in $12.50 in added revenue. While online conferencing is useful in a variety of ways, there are some things that – at least so far – are not replicable electronically. Relationships do not develop effectively in two-dimensional space, and it is relationships that make a business work.

It would be nice if plummeting fuel prices resulted in cheaper airfares. It would make face-to-face meetings easier to justify on a simple budget. But regardless of what they cost, their value remains consistent. Cost of airfares aside, face-to-face meetings are just good business.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/can-plummeting-gas-prices-affect-face-face-meetings/feed/03 Time Management Hacks Every Exhibit Manager Needs to Knowhttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/3-time-management-hacks-every-exhibit-manager-needs-know/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/3-time-management-hacks-every-exhibit-manager-needs-know/#respondTue, 27 Jan 2015 13:30:24 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5886Feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day? If so, then it might be time to revise your time management techniques. Read more…

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/3-time-management-hacks-every-exhibit-manager-needs-know/feed/0Mistakes to Avoid When Revising Your Resumehttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/mistakes-avoid-revising-resume/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/mistakes-avoid-revising-resume/#respondTue, 20 Jan 2015 13:30:23 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5891Revise and update your resume to better your chances of success and avoid these mistakes that could very well cost you that promotion or new job. Read more…

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/events-enhance-exhibit-excellence/feed/0Secret Wants to Be the Stream Of Consciousness for Live Eventshttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/secret-wants-stream-consciousness-live-events/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/secret-wants-stream-consciousness-live-events/#respondMon, 12 Jan 2015 13:30:56 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5871An events-based app that shows you everything its users are saying.

The anonymous social media network is getting its day in the sun by getting heavy use during the CES 2015 show in Las Vegas. The app recently introduced an events-based feed that shows you everything its users are saying about CES 2015.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/secret-wants-stream-consciousness-live-events/feed/0Stop Using These Words in Emailshttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/stop-using-words-emails/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/stop-using-words-emails/#respondMon, 12 Jan 2015 13:30:41 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5875from Entrepreneur Do you know how you sound in emails? While you may think you’re simply being punctual with that one-word response to a question, without proper vocal inflections, it may seem as if you’re angry or disappointed. Entrepreneur highlights different ways to sound better in emails. Read more…

Do you know how you sound in emails? While you may think you’re simply being punctual with that one-word response to a question, without proper vocal inflections, it may seem as if you’re angry or disappointed. Entrepreneur highlights different ways to sound better in emails.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/stop-using-words-emails/feed/04 Ways to Green Your Trade Show Team in 2015http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/4-ways-green-trade-show-team-2015/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/4-ways-green-trade-show-team-2015/#respondMon, 12 Jan 2015 13:30:21 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5866from Trade Show News Network Going green is a term used so much that it’s lost some of its luster. Nevertheless, millennials are a more eco-driven generation than the ones that came before them. And with 2015 in full swing, what better time to plan green initiatives for the year than now? Read more…

Going green is a term used so much that it’s lost some of its luster. Nevertheless, millennials are a more eco-driven generation than the ones that came before them. And with 2015 in full swing, what better time to plan green initiatives for the year than now?

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/4-ways-green-trade-show-team-2015/feed/0Working Too Hard Makes Leading More Difficulthttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/working-hard-makes-leading-difficult/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/working-hard-makes-leading-difficult/#respondMon, 12 Jan 2015 13:30:06 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5878from Harvard Business Review In this interesting take on leadership from the Harvard Business Review, it’s argued that obsessing over goals demonstrate a drive that will serve you well in the business world. But once you step into a position of leadership, it becomes counterproductive. So what’s the right balance to strike? Read more…

In this interesting take on leadership from the Harvard Business Review, it’s argued that obsessing over goals demonstrate a drive that will serve you well in the business world. But once you step into a position of leadership, it becomes counterproductive. So what’s the right balance to strike?

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/working-hard-makes-leading-difficult/feed/0GIFA 2015 in Düsseldorf – The Bright World of Metalshttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/gifa-2015-dusseldorf-bright-world-metals/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/gifa-2015-dusseldorf-bright-world-metals/#respondTue, 06 Jan 2015 16:24:53 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5849As the world’s most important trade fair for foundry technology, GIFA is being held as part of the quartet of technology fairs—the others being METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST—from 16 – 20 June 2015 for the 13th year. The Messe Düsseldorf is the perfect venue for this important international specialist fair. This is not only because […]

]]>As the world’s most important trade fair for foundry technology, GIFA is being held as part of the quartet of technology fairs—the others being METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST—from 16 – 20 June 2015 for the 13th year.

The Messe Düsseldorf is the perfect venue for this important international specialist fair. This is not only because the city itself offers fascinating things to see (for example the media harbor with its outstanding modern architecture), but also because everyone—from the small start-up to the global player, interested in the world’s leading trade fair or the most promising trends—will feel at home. This is where know-how and expertise are concentrated, with 98 percent of attendees from the foundry industry. That’s a rate rarely equaled anywhere else in the world. (See an aerial view of this enormous 75-acre fairground.)

The success of the Messe Düsseldorf Group is marked by the ease with which it acts as an innovation broker, bringing together enterprises and experts in an increasingly digitalized world. Messe Düsseldorf does this in its home city, but also at other locations in the world’s growing markets.

The fair is the platform for excellent business opportunities and the yardstick for innovation and modern technology for efficient casting in the third millennium. Here’s the place to meet people and where you have an opportunity to talk face to face with well-known producers of foundry technology from all over the world. At the last GIFA in 2011 around 2,000 international exhibitors met 79,000 visitors from 83 countries, impressive confirmation of the position the event holds as the leading trade fair in the industry.

MC2 Europe, also located in Düsseldorf, has international expertise and long experience with GIFA exhibitors. We will be bringing these companies to GIFA 2015.

Vesuvius Group, the British chemical company with headquarters in London, England, which specializes in chemical technologies for steel processing and foundries, and fire-proof materials. (Hall 05, Stand C11)

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/gifa-2015-dusseldorf-bright-world-metals/feed/0Your Advice for “Should Friends Let Friends Talk Trash”http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/advice-friends-let-friends-talk-trash/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/advice-friends-let-friends-talk-trash/#respondTue, 06 Jan 2015 14:13:29 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5822I’m friends on Facebook with a co-worker who has since left the company. Now I see she’s posting negative stuff about the company on her page. Should I report her to HR even thought she doesn’t work here anymore? Or respond to her comments on Facebook? — Julianna, marketing manager Here’s what our readers say: Keep […]

]]>I’m friends on Facebook with a co-worker who has since left the company. Now I see she’s posting negative stuff about the company on her page. Should I report her to HR even thought she doesn’t work here anymore? Or respond to her comments on Facebook?
— Julianna, marketing manager

Here’s what our readers say:

Keep it privateThink about what you are asking first. This person is a friend, right? Then why would you want to turn her in? What would this accomplish? She no longer works there, so they aren’t going to fire her. The most that will happen is if what she is saying is slanderous, they might sue. On the other hand, how could you remain friends with someone whom you turned in—and secretly? Posting something in response might only add fuel to the fire and damage your friendship. If you cannot confront her in person and tell her remarks about the company are best kept off social media, then a well written email in private might be more humane. Unless you don’t care about the friendship. — name withheld

Get the factsThis is a disgruntled ex- employee that has a need to express themselves in a very unprofessional matter in a public media message board like Facebook. It only proves that if she was dismissed from the company, you are only hearing her side of the story. Unless you know all the facts, I would not comment back to her or report it to your HR personnel. — Julia, Account Manager

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/advice-friends-let-friends-talk-trash/feed/0Overcoming Jet-Lag at a Trade Showhttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/overcoming-jet-lag-trade-show/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/overcoming-jet-lag-trade-show/#respondTue, 06 Jan 2015 13:30:30 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5893Don’t let jet lag get the best of you; there are plenty of tips you can follow to overcome dreaded jet-lag so you can be alert and energetic when the show opens. Read more…

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/overcoming-jet-lag-trade-show/feed/0Any way to make everybody happy?http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/whats-your-best-advice/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/whats-your-best-advice/#respondMon, 05 Jan 2015 19:43:08 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5644Our company has multiple divisions that need their full attention every time we prepare for the next trade show. Everyone has an opinion and initiative they want us to take, but as with anything, we have limited resources – and patience! Sales staff all wants to go, executive leadership wants to promote a new branding […]

Our company has multiple divisions that need their full attention every time we prepare for the next trade show. Everyone has an opinion and initiative they want us to take, but as with anything, we have limited resources – and patience!

Sales staff all wants to go, executive leadership wants to promote a new branding initiative, and every department has a product they want featured. I’m the type of person who wants to accommodate everyone, but it’s just not possible.

Should I step back and let them sort it all out? Should I host a meeting? Just make a decision and go for it? How can I make everybody happy?

Surely this is something other folks have come across. Any advice you can share from past experiences?

— Ronald, Event Coordinator

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]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2015/01/whats-your-best-advice/feed/0December Feature Business Dining: Your Key Networking Toolhttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/business-dining-key-networking-tool/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/business-dining-key-networking-tool/#respondWed, 31 Dec 2014 13:00:22 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5741Business Dining is very different from the eating we engage in daily. It’s maximizing the opportunities a business meal presents.

Editor’s Note: These valuable tips can apply to business dining and to company holiday parties as well.

Event marketing careers are filled with client-facing activities and opportunities. But in a world where everything is becoming more automated, the up-close-and-personal treatment this industry offers isn’t just a business advantage. It’s a reward!

As event and exhibit manager, you may be called upon regularly to attend business dinners. Whether to court clients, maintain relationships or support allies, the business meal is a powerful tool if used correctly. But Strategic DiningSM is very different from the eating we engage in daily. It’s maximizing the opportunities a business meal presents.

There are many moving parts to a business meal, and different parties are responsible for different roles in this very human endeavor. The restaurant business itself relies heavily on such mere mortals, and that implies human error. The keys to successful business dining are to anticipate the errors, mitigate your own seconding-guessing, and respond (not react) when things go wrong. Let’s have a closer look at how this is accomplished.

Preparation is Key.

Before you even show up for a business meal, take a few things into account. First is the purpose of the meal and your role at the table. Are you there for moral support? Are you hosting a group of clients? Suppliers? Is this a celebratory meal to mark the end of a successful show, a breakfast meeting, or a quick bite to eat in the middle of a busy work day?

Next, consider the crowd. Before you book the reservation, ask yourself if the folks involved with the meal are locals or coming in from out of town. Consider the temperament of your guests. Should you choose a quieter venue or a celebratory atmosphere? What are the dietary restrictions of each guest? Entertaining such questions can save you the embarrassment of bringing a group of vegetarians to a steak house.

Finally, once reservations are made, take a moment to distribute information about the meeting. Besides the restaurant name, include the address and phone number of the restaurant, the name the reservation has been made under, and valuable information like outdoor dining space or, in fewer and fewer cases, jacket requirements.

Think About Your Agenda.

By being thoughtful about your role at the table, you can determine how to ‘show up’ for the meal. Supporting sales people trying to impress clients warrants a different table presence than hosting a meal. Forethought determines how much you speak and what you interject. Understanding different parties’ agendas at the table will greatly guide what topics of conversation you bring up. If you are there as a support, speak to your ally beforehand to determine their goals for the meal.

Since you’re often amongst out-of-towners, be prepared to add value to their visit to the convention city with ideas of what they can do when in town. For New York City, I always suggest Madison Square Park art exhibits, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for a Jacques Torres hot chocolate in DUMBO, a walk around the MoMA sculpture garden, which is now open to the public, and a visit to the Union Square Farmer’s Market. Find experiences that aren’t the typical tourist activities and it will leave a lasting impression.

Once you have thought about your role as well as the goals of the others at the table, take a moment to study the restaurant’s menu online. Your time spent on the restaurant’s website results in the ability to be more present and focused at the meal, as you have already chosen a couple of dishes you could order. Since the purpose of the business meal is to develop rapport, the more you are able to focus on the conversation, the better! If you are unfamiliar with a preparation or an ingredient on a menu, a one-minute investigation will provide the answer for you, and may very well put you in a trusted advisor role if a table mate voices the same question. Besides the menu, glancing at the restaurant’s backstory will likely provide some small-talk tidbits, as restaurant dining has become a nationwide sport.

Finally, prepare for the business meal by dressing strategically. Restaurant formality should be considered in this attire equation, as should the formality of the other diners, and the fit of your clothing (remember, as we eat, clothes become tighter). One additional dressing detail can be vital for a successful dining experience. When dining out, no matter what the occasion, forego the cologne. Ninety percent of taste relies on sense of smell. Those in the room who dine out for sport want to smell the aromas of their food, not your aftershave.

Practice Sharing.

We should all know which bread plate and water glass is ours. But, what happens in instances where the lines between ‘yours’ and ‘hers’ become smudged? There are many upscale family-style restaurants that are worth visiting, and this type of shareable spread increases the interactive experience, thus building a different type of business rapport. ​If you’re a little rusty, think BMW: Your Bread plate is to your left, the Main dish is in front of you, and your Wine/Water glasses live on the right side of your place setting.

The etiquette of sharing can become daunting amongst new acquaintances. Cutting to the meat of the matter, there are two cardinal sins of sharing.

First is using your own flatware to help yourself to a communal plate. Once a utensil has gone into your mouth, it has no business reconnecting with a shared plate. Community dishes should all come with serving utensils, so be mindful of returning these neutral pieces to their collective plates. If you accidently keep a serving piece, don’t panic; this is a frequent occurrence. Just ask your server for a clean utensil.

The second faux pas is taking too large a helping from a family platter. I’ve seen it happen a hundred times: there are eight people at a table and when the potatoes come to the 7th person, there’s one potato left. As the host or the guest, be mindful of how many people are at the table before you serve yourself. As the host, try to arrange it so you are the last person served. In your mind’s eye, divide the dish into that many servings, and take less than your share. The emphasis of a business meal should be on the business, not the meal. If you’re hungry after the meeting, stop somewhere for a snack.

Respond Graciously When Things Go Wrong.

The restaurant business is full of human flaws. Understanding what could go wrong and having a game plan for these scenarios will allow you to look your best in moments of crisis.

When someone does something awkwardly or incorrectly at the table, do not draw attention to their mistake. It’s easy to ignore when a dining companion uses their dessert fork to eat their pasta dish. But what happens when an unsuspecting diner uses your water glass instead of her own? Your first instinct may be to ask the server for another glass of water. Instead, make a savvy move and ask your server for a club soda. You’ll save the offender from embarrassment, while your thoughtfulness will impress the others at the table who are onto your move.

Order Smartly.

Did you know that more than three-quarters of us have ordered a dish that, in hindsight, has been difficult to eat deftly at the table? A simple solution: The one-handed dish. Choose something you can eat with a single utensil. Fish fillet, meatloaf, omelets, quiche, ravioli, and penne pasta are all examples of ideal Strategic Dining℠ choices.

Maximize Your Table Presence.

When we’re part of a group, how we listen is even more important than our verbal contribution to the conversation. How do you present yourself? Are you sitting up straight, looking interested in the conversation, asking questions for clarification? Or are you slouching and slurping your soup? Of course, you’re doing the first! But let me offer three ways to maximize your already impressive table presence, inspired by Olivia Fox Cabane’s amazing book The Charisma Myth. First, reduce how quickly and how often you nod your head when listening. A couple of shakes can make a powerful impression. Bobbing up and down makes you look like an eager school kid. Next, lower the intonation of your voice at the end of your sentences. In other words, quit the uptalk. And third, pause for a full two seconds before you reply. This will demonstrate that you were listening, and not just waiting to speak.

I encourage you to enjoy the opportunities unique to the business meal. In no other venue do you have the chance to get to know people so quickly, both personally and professionally. Breaking bread is an intimate experience, and when managed smartly, you’ll walk away having made an indelible impression of your best self.

About Deborah Goldstein

Deborah Goldstein is the founder of Goldie’s Table Matters (GTM) and the Women’s Advancement Compact (WAC). GTM enables professionals to maximize networking opportunities and business development in a setting conducive to building rapport. Through Deborah’s work with GTM, she saw a great need for leadership development from a female perspective and, in 2013, founded WAC, a community composed to serve NYC professionals sharing the common goal of career advancement, while integrating family life and personal development.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/business-dining-key-networking-tool/feed/0How to Reduce Stress While Managing Eventshttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/reduce-stress-managing-events/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/reduce-stress-managing-events/#respondTue, 30 Dec 2014 13:00:53 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5794Fortunately there are some things an event planner can do to reduce the stress this huge job can create. Read more…

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/reduce-stress-managing-events/feed/0Making the Best of Air Travel During the Holidayshttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/making-the-best-of-air-travel/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/making-the-best-of-air-travel/#respondTue, 23 Dec 2014 13:00:21 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5773If you must travel for business over the holidays, expect to encounter delays, crowding and overall aggravation. Before you leave home, spending some time planning and packing strategically can get you through the madness in maximum comfort. Read more…

]]>If you must travel for business over the holidays, expect to encounter delays, crowding and overall aggravation. Before you leave home, spending some time planning and packing strategically can get you through the madness in maximum comfort.

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/making-the-best-of-air-travel/feed/0Advancing Your Career: How to Interview within Your Current Companyhttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/advancing-career-interview-within-current-company/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/advancing-career-interview-within-current-company/#respondTue, 16 Dec 2014 13:00:55 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5770Believe it or not, an internal interview can be just as tricky (if not more challenging) than any other job interview. Read more…

]]>http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/advancing-career-interview-within-current-company/feed/0Stressed Out? Self-Help Tips To Get Back in Balancehttp://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/stressed-self-help-tips-get-back-balance/
http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/2014/12/stressed-self-help-tips-get-back-balance/#respondTue, 09 Dec 2014 13:00:37 +0000http://mc2talks.mc-2.com/?p=5757There’s no denying that working in the marketing and exhibit-planning industries can be stressful. You may often find yourself working long hours and constantly having to defend the value of your work to higher-ups. Over time, this stress can lead to burnout on the job. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of […]

]]>There’s no denying that working in the marketing and exhibit-planning industries can be stressful. You may often find yourself working long hours and constantly having to defend the value of your work to higher-ups. Over time, this stress can lead to burnout on the job. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of simple yet proven effective self-help tips you can follow to overcome your stress and get back to loving what you do.